News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant D.S. Bracker
(417)895-6767 ext.253
D2008-15
March 27, 2008

EMPHASIS: State Patrol Arrests Subject Impersonating An Officer



On today’s date, March 27, 2008, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Division of Drug and Crime Control, arrested Justin D. Braden, 24, of Springfield, Missouri, for impersonating an officer.
The investigation resulted initially from a citizen’s concerns of improprieties on a trooper’s behalf, during a traffic stop. The citizen’s concerns were directed to a local Highway Patrol trooper and the Highway Patrol’s Division of Drug and Crime Control. As the investigation progressed, Justin Braden evolved as the suspect, was questioned, and subsequently was arrested for impersonating an officer, a class A misdemeanor. Braden was released to Lawrence County authorities. The investigation is ongoing.
The charge for which the above person is accused is mere accusation and not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of this charge must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty it is to determine guilt or innocence.